Wolven | The Mandalorian

Chapter 26: The Pirate

Chapter 26: The Pirate
Word count: 10,130
Almost completed now! I already have one or two book ideas to follow onto season 4

Days flew by slowly on the unknown desert planet, and Elodie found herself struggling to adapt to the routine. Din busied himself with helping with the smooth running of the covert. By day, he devoted his service to his clan, but by night, he was all hers. Grogu was welcomed among the children; they allowed him to join them in their lessons and challenges with fervour.

Elodie stood in the water with the Mandalorian at her back. The water lapped at her lower thigh, above her knees, and she dared go no deeper. She had no interest in meeting any more native creatures. The Mandalorians were going about their own individual duties today, and hardly any were seen venturing outside. It made her feel more comfortable in her choice of clothing—a simple pair of her shorts and a loose shirt provided to her by Greef back on Nevarro.

Din had no qualms about getting 'a little wet' as he referred to it. The water soaked his entire lower half and caused it to weigh heavier on his frame. Wading his way out this far in pure Beskar armour and weaponry made the water extra tough to cut through.

"You've never fished before?" Din had asked, disbelieving. Elodie shot him a deadpan look, as if the answer should have been obvious. "I grew up on a desert planet, Din. The only water we had was sweat and tears."

"Should make that a slogan." He'd quipped back.

She remained stock still, her eyes scouting the area for movement as he instructed. In her hand, one of the covert's spears rested, poised. A quick jab, he had insisted after two failed attempts. It wasn't that her reflexes were slow. Just that she was mildly distracted. Din pressed his hand against the small of her back, and the other grasped her hip, gloves just about skimming the skin from her raised shirt. Her lip twitches at the feel of his touch. "I may not know how to catch a fish. But I can stand my ground, Riduur." [Husband]

"You know I have to hold onto something." Din let out a sultry chuckle. "Have I told you these shorts make you look delicious."

Elodie bit her lip, trying to contain the smile that threatened to break free. He wouldn't be able to see it, but he would be able to tell by the way her head ducked. The pair were highly intuitive with one another. They had mastered how to communicate without using verbal means of expression.

"You're insatiable."

He knew she loved it when he pushed the boundaries of their comfort zones. Din wouldn't dare be more expressive in his affections in such a public domain.

At the flash of colour, Elodie sprung forward and stabbed at the sea bed. Lifting the spear, she cheered at the sight of a fish pierced at the end and held it up to Din in success. He grinned, squeezing the supple flesh under his palms. "Good girl. Such a fast learner."

"I do have a good teacher."

Grogu watched her from his spot at the water's edge, a look of interest on his small face at the creature caught for dinner. Two thin wooden sticks lay propped up beside him, wires secured from their tips leading far into the water, beyond where Elodie and the Mandalorian stood. He showed her how to build make-shift fishing rods and live-lining to increase the chances of a catch while they had a spare moment.

"Din Djarin." A man hailed, waving the Mandalorian down. Din looked over and then back to the Wolven. She gave him a small smile and shooed him away. "Go. I can't keep you all to myself. As much as I would love to."

"This is not over." He reminded her, squeezing her hips before wading his way back to shore. "It never is with you." Din bent to acknowledge Grogu sitting at the shore as he walked past.

Wading her way back to the child, she kneeled in front of him to show him her catch. It was of medium size, and she couldn't tell the species. The Mandalorians here would have told her if there was anything inedible when they settled down. She tossed it on top of the small pile accumulated from today's trials.